The legislative session will end soon, with several gambling-related bills still on the table
Brazil’s Senate is facing a tight timeline to vote on a long-delayed bill that would legalize land-based gambling across the country. With the legislative recess scheduled for July, Senate President Davi Alcolumbre has reportedly informed party leaders that Bill PL 2,234/2022 will be treated as urgent, raising the likelihood of a floor vote in the coming weeks.
The proposed legislation, already cleared by the Senate’s Justice and Citizenship Committee in mid-2024, would allow casinos and other physical gambling operations to legally run in Brazil. Its progress has been slowed by political hesitation and conflicting views among lawmakers, despite growing public support and pressure from pro-tourism and economic groups.
Alcolumbre’s recent appointment to the Senate’s top post has injected new momentum into the bill. Known for backing previous efforts to expand gambling regulation, his leadership could prove key to moving the legislation forward. Tourism Minister Celso Sabino has also signaled confidence, saying earlier this year that the Senate would take up the issue in the first half of 2025.
If passed, the bill is unlikely to face resistance from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who would need to sign it into law. The administration has already demonstrated a willingness to regulate the industry, having launched Brazil’s online gambling framework at the start of the year. However, the rollout has drawn criticism over heavy taxation and tight advertising rules, prompting calls for a more balanced approach to both online and physical gambling.
Public sentiment appears to favor legalization. An April survey by DataSenado found that 60% of Brazilian adults support legalizing land-based gambling, with many citing potential benefits like increased tax revenue and job creation.
Despite the momentum, strong opposition remains, particularly from religious and conservative lawmakers. Evangelical leader Gilberto Nascimento has been vocal in his disapproval, warning that expanded gambling could worsen social problems.
With time running short, the coming weeks may finally bring clarity to one of Brazil’s most debated economic and cultural issues.
